Finding her calling in therapeutic healing

Pursuing a university degree close to home when classes were online because of a world-wide pandemic helped Elise Cole focus on her career goal of becoming a physiotherapist rather than how isolating that time was for her.

Elise graduated in June with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. Her dedication and investment in her studies has earned her a Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal, which is awarded to the VIU undergraduate student with the highest academic standing upon graduation from a bachelor’s degree program.  

The recognition has left Elise “at a loss for words” and served as a powerful reminder of her commitment to earning a degree.

I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from everyone surrounding me, including my incredible partner, family, friends, professors and community members,” she says. “My grandpa, who was a major advocate for education, would have been very proud.

"My unconditional support system has been the foundation of my success throughout various aspects of my life – including academics,” she says. “Within this system, these people have offered guidance, mentorship, friendships and encouragement along the way as I learn who I am and who I want to become. I will carry everything I’ve learned from these powerful influencers into my future, and I look forward to bringing my people along with me through my next academic chapter.”

We caught up with Elise to learn more about her time at VIU and what she has set her sights on next. 

What drew you to the Kinesiology program at VIU?

I have been interested in active rehabilitation since childhood. I played many sports and recovered from various injuries, including several major concussions. Additionally, my mom is a physiotherapist who helps people recover from illness and injury and maintain independence in their homes. I have always appreciated how much my mom values her job and talks about her role in the public health system. Her positivity, along with my personal rehabilitation experiences, both encouraged me to pursue a career in active rehab – and I’m so glad I did. 

I chose VIU because it’s close to home, and it offered the program I wanted to pursue. I started university in September 2020, when classes were online due to COVID-19. The challenges of starting university during an unpredictable time would have been much more difficult if I weren’t at home during this isolating period. I feel fortunate to complete my degree while living at home and being so close to my family. 

What was the highlight of your time at VIU?

I appreciated being part of a program with small class sizes. This dynamic made it easy to connect with peers and feel a sense of belonging. It also gave me the opportunity to meet some lifelong friends. It also allowed for easy interactions with my professors. My program felt more like a community where everyone had a place in it.

What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?

Two things: 

• Getting accepted into grad school to pursue my career goal of becoming a physiotherapist.
• Securing a job as a Registered Kinesiologist at a local rehabilitation clinic.

What’s next for you?

Becoming a physiotherapist has been my career goal since early high school and I have been working hard to make it happen for many years. I am working as a Registered Kinesiologist at a local rehabilitation clinic. I am part of a team operating a WorkSafe Custom Recovery Program. This job has been an excellent opportunity to gain some hands-on experience before attending school to become a physiotherapist. I am thankful I have been able to work as a Registered Kinesiologist and use what I’ve learned in the classroom at VIU in the real world. 

I am excited to start my master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Northern British Columbia this September. This unique program focuses on rural and remote healthcare – an area I hope to work in one day. 

What is one piece of advice you want to pass on to current VIU students? 

Life isn’t a race, and it isn’t a competition. The more I stop comparing myself to others or focusing on what everyone else is doing, the more I can enjoy my life where I am right now. Support your peers but also share your goals and have your own dreams.